Power restored to more than 500 properties in the upper Calder Valley

Boxing day flood in Hebden Bridge. Albert Street and New Road under water.

Published:10:06Thursday 31 December 2015

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Northern Powergrid has said power will be restored to the last few properties able to take supply this evening.

The electricity distribution company, Calderdale Council and emergency services have worked together to restore power to homes in the Hebden Bridge area and other parts of the valley, after floods on Boxing Day brought devastation.

In the Upper Calder Valley, primarily in the Hebden Bridge area, the power network has now been restored to some 545 properties, with the last few properties expected to be restored this evening if they are able to take supply.

Northern Powergrid is working with Calderdale Council, as well as energy suppliers and their meter operators, to coordinate the equipment inspections required for those properties which are still unable to receive power due to the flood damage.

There may still be some customers who are not yet back in their properties to be able to check if they are on or off supply and provide Northern Powergrid with access to carry out the necessary checks.

The electricity distribution company had its customer support vehicle and ambassadors out in Hebden Bridge again today providing information to customers and assisting with the widespread community support for those without power.

Geoff Earl, Director of Safety, Health and Environment at Northern Powergrid, said: “Our engineers have worked incredibly hard over the past 24 hours carrying out the necessary checks so that power could be safely restored to the vast majority of our customers in Hebden Bridge. We are focused on safely restoring power for those still affected as quickly as possible.

“Safety of local residents and our engineers is our top priority and we’re asking customers that if their meter has been under water to stay away from the equipment and contact our 24/7 contact centre advisors on 0800 375 675 who can provide advice and arrange a safety visit.

“We’re also recommending that a registered electrical contractor makes an inspection of your electrical system and isolates all flood damaged parts before the power is restored. You can get more information about what to do on our website northernpowergrid.com.”

Councillor Tim Swift, leader of Calderdale Council, said: “The unprecedented scale of the flooding, impacting on substations, residential and business property across the Upper Valley has meant that restoring power has been difficult in some cases.

“It’s great news that power has now been restored to more than 500 properties, and we’ll continue to work with Northern Powergrid to ensure the remaining properties have power as soon as possible.”

Northern Powergrid is warning local people who spot any damaged cables or equipment not to approach the area as equipment may still be live and pose a risk of electrocution.

Customers should immediately contact the company to report the damage on its 24-hour power cut enquiry number - 0800 375 675